Friday, Dec. 20
LANTERN MAKING
Decorate a winter solstice lantern with artist Joyelle Brandt from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Port Moody Arts Centre (2425 St. John's St.). The all-ages event is by donation. Call 604-931-2008. And, on Sunday at 4 p.m., use your lantern at the solstice parade at Pioneer Memorial Park (in front of the PoMo recreation complex on Ioco Road at Heritage Mountain). Visit pomoarts.ca.
HARD ROCK
If you can brave the crowds, head down to Canada's first Hard Rock Casino, which officially opens its doors at 5 p.m. The former Boulevard Casino (2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam) will have non-stop live entertainment including 54-40 and Hedley. Visit hardrockcasinovancouver.com.
MUSICAL CAROL
Theatrix Youtheatre Society offers a Christmas classic at the Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr., Port Moody) for the young and young-at-heart. Actors will take on 35 characters in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, with a musical adaptation by the society's artistic director Deb Solberg and original tunes by Mr. I. The show runs tonight at 7 p.m. and tomorrow at 1 and 7 p.m. Tickets at $16/$12 are available at theatrixyoutheatre.com.
HOCKEY TIME
Cheer on the Coquitlam Express Jr. 'A' hockey club as it battles Powell River at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St.). The puck drops at 7 p.m. Single game tickets for adults are $13. No charge for kids under six.Visit coquitlamexpress.ca.
ON ICE
Kids aged seven to 12 can lace up their skates for a movie and pizza night at the Port Coquitlam recreation complex (2150 Wilson Ave.) from 7 to 10 p.m. The cost is $15. Pre-register by calling 604-927-PLAY.
Saturday, Dec. 21
THE GRINCH
Catch Canadian comic Jim Carrey in the starring role of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas at SilverCity Coquitlam (170 Schoolhouse St.) at 11 a.m. And best of all, the cost is $2.50 per person as part of the Cineplex Family Favourites. Visit cineplex.com/family.
FOR THE KIDS
Help the Youth Charity Movement reach its fundraising goal of $2,000 to support hard-of-hearing children, at a Christmas gala at the Elite Educational Institute (1065 Ridgeway Ave., Coquitlam) from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. The celebration - which includes raffles, photo booths, a bake sale, karaoke and bingo - is in partnership with the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation and Share. Call 778-899-4589.
BOAT LIGHTS
Tonight is the last night to see Santa's Christmas Ships from Port Moody's Reed Point Marina (850 Barnet Hwy.). Boaters decorate their vessels and cruise from Reed Point Marina to the surrounding shores, starting at 7 p.m. The best local viewing areas are Barnet Beach and Belcarra Park.
ABBY VISITORS
The Port Moody Panthers Jr. 'B' Club hosts the Abbotsford Pilots at the Port Moody recreation complex (300 Ioco Rd.) at 7:45 p.m. Visit portmoodypanthers.com.
Sunday, Dec. 22
BALLET ON SCREEN
London's Royal Ballet will be gracing a film screen at SilverCity Coquitlam (170 Schoolhouse St.) at 12:55 p.m. for The Nutcracker. The repeat performance from the Covent Garden Stage features a score by Tchaikovsky, a battle between the toy soldiers and the army of Mice, and the famous dance of The Sugar Plum Fairy by principal dancer Laura Morera, with Federico Bonelli as the Prince. Visit cineplex.com/events/danceseries.
XMAS GRUB
Port Coquitlam's RCCG Trinity Chapel (1932 Cameron Ave.) is opening its doors for a free Christmas dinner from 2:30 to 4 p.m. A food bank will also be held to give away items for those in need. Call 604-474-3131 or visit rccgtrinitychapel.com.
MRS. CLAUS, TOO
Bring the kids to see Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, who will visit Around My House Consignment store (2604 St John's St., Port Moody) at around 3 p.m. Call 604-931-7277.
Monday, Dec. 23
LIBRARY TREATS
Shop for home-baked seasonal treats to share with friends and family - or co-workers - at the Coquitlam Public Library's Christmas bake sale from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the City Centre branch (1169 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). Proceeds from the sale, which is being organized by the library's teen advisory council, will support the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society. Call 604-554-7339 or email [email protected].
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